Bio-Based Polypropylene in Sustainable Packaging
Bio-based polypropylene materials currently achieve 30-70% renewable content while maintaining mechanical properties comparable to fossil-based alternatives. However, these materials face challenges in thermal stability during processing, with color changes observed above certain temperature thresholds and potential degradation of barrier properties in packaging applications.
The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining consistent polymer chain length and crystallinity when incorporating bio-derived monomers while preserving the mechanical and barrier properties that make polypropylene valuable for packaging.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including phosphorus-based stabilization systems, hybrid fossil-bio substrate layers with improved coating adhesion, and optimized biomass-derived monomer ratios for sealant applications. These and other approaches focus on achieving commercial-grade performance while maximizing renewable content in packaging materials.
1. Biodegradable Polyolefin Composites with Anaerobic Decomposition Capability
ENLIGHTENED PRODUCT SOLUTIONS, LLC, 2024
Renewably-sourced biodegradable polyolefin packaging, utensils, and containers that can decompose under anaerobic conditions without UV light. The packaging, utensils, and containers are made by mixing renewable polyolefins with biodegrading agents. The biodegrading agents enhance biodegradation of the polyolefins. This allows the packaging, utensils, and containers to decompose in landfills without harming the environment.
2. Heat Sealable Film Comprising Bionaphtha-Derived Propylene and Phosphorus-Based Antioxidant
OJI HOLDINGS CO LTD, 2024
Heat sealable film made from propylene derived from bionaphtha that has reduced environmental impact compared to petroleum-based films. The film contains at least 10% bionaphtha-derived propylene units relative to the film mass and 300-1000 ppm of phosphorus-based antioxidant. This composition reduces change in color, transparency, and mechanical properties compared to films with lower bionaphtha content. The film can be used for packaging materials and laminated structures.
3. Composite Substrate Layer Incorporating Biomass-Derived and Fossil Fuel-Derived Polyolefins
TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC., 2024
Barrier films, packaging materials, containers, and products with improved barrier performance and lower environmental impact by using biomass-derived polyolefins in the substrate layer. The substrate layer contains a mixture of biomass-derived polyolefins and fossil fuel-derived polyolefins. The biomass content in the substrate is at least 5%. This composition prevents bleeding of low-molecular-weight components from the biomass polymer that can peel off the inorganic coating. The mixed substrate with biomass content improves adhesion to metal oxide coatings or printing layers.
4. Biomass-Derived 4-Methyl-1-Pentene Polymer Blended with Polyester Resin for Porous Material Formation
MITSUI CHEMICALS INC, 2024
A biomass-derived polymer for making lightweight, porous materials like sheets and bottles with improved properties for applications like display screens and packaging. The polymer is a biomass-derived 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer that is blended with a polyester resin. The polymer has a specific composition with 30-100 mol % 4-methyl-1-pentene units derived from biomass and 0-70 mol % units from other α-olefins. The blended resin can be processed into porous sheets or bottles with voids by stretching or blow molding. The biomass-derived polymer provides mechanical strength, light scattering, and biodegradability compared to fossil-based polymers.
5. Biodegradable Plastic Composition with Polypropylene Glycol Succinate and Starch-Based Additives
XIAMEN JINSHANG RESIN CO LTD, 2024
Biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastic material that aims to reduce pollution compared to conventional plastics. The degradable plastic comprises components like polypropylene glycol succinate, starch from lotus root, wheat, and sweet potato, vegetable gum, cellulose, plasticizers, reinforcing agents, antioxidants, thermal stabilizers, and antistatic agents. The specific composition ratios are provided in the patent.
6. Laminated Packaging Material with Biomass-Derived Peelable Layer and Polyolefin Main Layer
DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD, 2024
Laminated packaging material that has a peelable layer to enable easy opening in clean environments without contaminating the contents. The laminate has two layers, one that peels off at 180 degrees angle and low peel strength, and another main layer with high peel strength. The peelable layer contains a biomass-derived resin and has a density of 0.909 g/cm. The main layer has polyolefin content of 82% or more. This configuration allows the peelable layer to be easily removed to expose a clean surface on the main layer for use in clean environments. The biomass resin in the peelable layer suppresses bulging between layers. The low peel strength prevents adhesion of contaminants.
7. Sealant Composition with Biomass-Derived Propylene and Ethylene Polymers and Ethylene/Carboxylic Acid Copolymer
DOW MITSUI POLYCHEMICALS CO LTD, 2024
Sealant composition for packaging applications that provides improved environmental friendliness while maintaining adhesion and easy-opening properties. The sealant composition contains propylene polymer, ethylene polymer, and ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer or its ionomer. The copolymer and ionomer can be made from biomass-derived monomers. The overall composition has a biomass content between 0-100%. This allows using renewable resources in the sealant without sacrificing adhesion and peelability compared to fossil fuel-based sealants.
8. Resin Composition with Biomass-Derived Propylene and Ethylene Polymers for Packaging Sealants
MITSUI-DOW POLYCHEMICALS CO LTD, 2024
Resin composition for sealants in packaging applications that provides improved properties like adhesion and easy opening compared to fossil fuel-derived sealants, while also being environmentally friendly. The composition contains specific ratios of biomass-derived propylene polymer, ethylene polymer, and tackifier resin. It uses biomass-derived structural units in the propylene polymer, biomass ethylene in the ethylene polymer, and optionally biomass-derived tackifier resin. The biomass content is at least 0% and less than 100% by mass. This composition balances sealing strength and ease of opening for packaging materials like laminates and lids.
9. Polypropylene Composite with Plant Fibers and Phenolic Acid Crosslinking
KINGFA SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO, 2024
Polypropylene composite material containing plant fibers with improved properties like strength and water resistance. The composite has 60-75% polypropylene, 10-35% plant fiber, 1-5% compatibilizer, 1-4% phenolic acid compounds, and 0-5% additives. The phenolic acid compounds react with fiber hydroxyls to form crosslinks, enhance strength, and delay oxidation. The compatibilizer improves polypropylene-fiber adhesion. The composite has reduced water absorption after processing compared to fiber-reinforced polypropylene.
10. Biodegradable Packaging Comprising Renewable Polyolefins and Hydrophilic Additive Blend
Enlightened Product Solutions, LLC, 2024
Biodegradable packaging made from renewable sources like sugarcane and starch-containing agricultural waste. The packaging is formed by blending biodegradable additives with renewably sourced polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene. The additives enhance biodegradability of the packaging without affecting its durability. The biodegradable additives contain hydrophilic compounds that make the plastic more susceptible to microbial degradation. The packaging can be used for food items like ice cream and then biodegrade in landfills or composting facilities without polluting the environment.
11. Bio-Based Plastic Composite with Non-Biodegradable and Petroleum-Based Polypropylene Blend
NAT UNIV GYEONGSANG IACF, 2024
Bio-based plastic composite containing a blend of non-biodegradable bio-based polypropylene and petroleum-based polypropylene. The composite has improved mechanical properties and can be manufactured using existing processing equipment. The bio-based polypropylene is derived from renewable sources like bioethanol. Additives like talc and rubber can be used to further enhance properties. The blending temperature is 170-180°C. This allows using conventional extrusion and injection molding equipment to manufacture the composite. The composite has better properties like tensile strength, elongation, and modulus compared to using just bio-based polypropylene.
12. Propylene-Based Polymer Composition with Biomass Polyethylene and Specific Block Copolymer Proportions
JAPAN POLYPROPYLENE CORP, 2023
Propylene-based polymer composition with biomass content of 8.4-49% that provides molded articles with good rigidity and impact resistance without cracking. The composition contains 51-95 wt% of a propylene block copolymer and 5-49 wt% biomass polyethylene. The propylene block copolymer has specific ethylene and α-olefin content and melt flow rate. This composition allows mixing biomass polyethylene into propylene polymers without compromising properties.
13. Transparent Food Contact Material Compositions with Polypropylene Blend and Hydrocarbon Resin
WINPAK LTD, 2023
High stiffness, transparent, food contact material compositions for packaging applications like food packaging articles. The compositions contain polypropylene, hydrocarbon resin, and optionally a nucleating agent. The polypropylene is a blend of two different types, one with low melt flow rate and one with high melt flow rate. The hydrocarbon resin is a low molecular weight thermoplastic polymer derived from unsaturated hydrocarbons. This blend provides improved stiffness, clarity, barrier properties, thermoformability, and optical properties compared to conventional PP compositions.
14. Polypropylene Resin Composition with Biomass-Derived Synthetic Resin and Filler Incorporating Compatibilizers
JAPAN POLYPROPYLENE CORP, 2023
Polypropylene resin composition containing biomass-derived materials like biomass-derived synthetic resin and biomass-derived filler. The composition aims to suppress odor generation during processing while achieving comparable mechanical properties, moldability, appearance quality, etc. Compared to using just biomass-derived materials, this composition balances biomass content with conventional polypropylene resin and additives like compatibilizers to optimize performance.
15. Biodegradable Multi-Layer Packaging Film with Paper Reinforcement and Barrier Properties
DONGWON SYS CORP, 2023
Eco-friendly packaging film for post-sterilization applications that can be used for food, medical, and industrial packaging. The film is made of biodegradable materials like PBAT, PBS, PHA, PLA, TPS, PVA, PCL, PE, PP, oxo-PE, oxo-PP, Bio-PE, Bio-PP, Bio-PET, EVA, EVOH, PVDC, PET, etc. A paper layer is added on top. The film has oxygen and moisture barrier properties and can be sterilized after filling. The paper provides strength and prevents bursting during sterilization. The film thickness is 50-400 um. The paper layer is 30-250 g/m2. The film can seal with devices like pumps, spouts, zippers, etc. The film has oxygen perme
16. Polypropylene Resin Composition with Compatibilizer and Inorganic Filler for High Biomass Filler Integration
JAPAN POLYPROPYLENE CORP, 2023
Polypropylene resin composition for improving odor and moldability when blending high amounts of biomass materials into polypropylene. The composition contains 35-69 wt% polypropylene, 1-5 wt% compatibilizer, 0.3-60 wt% biomass filler, and 0.3-60 wt% inorganic filler. The biomass filler content can be high (30-60 wt%) while keeping the polypropylene content above 35 wt%. The compatibilizer improves affinity between the polypropylene and biomass filler. The inorganic filler can also be added. This composition reduces odor and improves moldability compared to high biomass filler content without compatibilizer or inorganic filler.
17. Articles Comprising Biomass-Derived Polypropylene with Specific Concentration in Single-Layer, Laminate, and Molded Structures
ASAHI KASEI PAX CO LTD, 2022
Single-layer, laminate, and molded articles with a high biomass content that have properties comparable to conventional plastic products. The products contain biomass-derived polypropylene at a specific concentration of 3% by mass. This allows reducing the carbon footprint of the plastic products by using biomass-derived propylene instead of fossil fuel-derived propylene. The biomass-derived polypropylene is obtained by polymerizing a monomer containing biomass-derived propylene. The products have a biomass content of 3% for single-layer bodies, 97% max for laminates, and 97% max for molded articles.
18. Biaxially Stretched Polypropylene Film with Plant-Derived Resin Component and Multi-Layer Structure
SUN TOX CO LTD, 2022
Biaxially stretched polypropylene film for packaging with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional OPP films. The film contains a polypropylene-based resin with a plant-derived polypropylene component. By using a plant-derived polypropylene resin instead of all petroleum-derived resin, it reduces reliance on petroleum resources and lowers carbon emissions. The film structure can have a base layer with at least one layer and skin layers like heat seal or matte layers. The plant-derived resin content in the base layer is limited to prevent film tearing during formation. The film has good transparency, mechanical strength, and heat resistance.
19. Propylene Copolymer Composition with Biomass Polyethylene and Defined α-Olefin Content
JAPAN POLYPROPYLENE CORP, 2022
Propylene-based polymer composition with a biomass content of 8.4 to 49% that can be used to make molded products with improved rigidity, impact resistance, and no cracking compared to conventional biomass-containing compositions. The composition contains 51-90% of a propylene copolymer and 10-49% biomass polyethylene with specific properties like 1-5% α-olefin content, MFR of 0.5-100 g/10 min, and melting temperature of 126-152°C. This allows using biomass polyethylene in propylene-based plastics without sacrificing performance.
20. Propylene-Based Polymer Composition with Specified Biomass Content and Propylene-Ethylene Random Copolymer
JAPAN POLYPROPYLENE CORP, 2021
Propylene-based polymer composition with biomass content of 8.4-49% that provides molded products with improved rigidity and reduced cracking compared to blends with higher biomass levels. The composition contains a propylene homopolymer or copolymer (a), a specific propylene copolymer (b), and biomass polyethylene (c). The copolymer (b) is a propylene-ethylene random copolymer made with certain catalysts. The composition can have nucleating agents to further enhance properties. The blending of specific propylene copolymers allows for higher biomass levels without sacrificing performance.
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